The U.S. Is Dustier - It’s Costing $154 Billion Each Year

Forbes - Feb 15th, 2025
Open on Forbes

A new study by scholars from the University of Texas at El Paso, George Mason University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that dust storms and wind erosion cause $154 billion in damages annually across various economic sectors. This figure highlights the significant economic toll of these natural phenomena, comparable to the damage caused by major storms like hurricanes. Dust storms, also known as haboobs, occur in regions like northern Africa and the U.S. Southwest and lead to costs in agriculture, healthcare, and transportation, among others.

The study, published in the journal Nature Sustainability, underscores the increasing frequency of dust storms due to factors like drought, human land use, and climate change. The 1930s Dust Bowl serves as historical context for these events, with modern conditions exacerbating their impact. The findings advocate for dust mitigation strategies, such as conservation agricultural practices, which could provide substantial economic benefits. This research, funded by NASA, demonstrates the importance of federally-funded studies in addressing and mitigating natural disaster impacts.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the economic and health impacts of dust storms, supported by credible sources and recent data. Its strengths lie in its clarity, timeliness, and relevance to public interest, effectively highlighting the significance of dust storms in the context of environmental challenges. However, the article could benefit from additional sourcing and verification for specific cost figures, as well as a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance and transparency. Overall, it is a well-structured and informative piece that contributes meaningfully to discussions on climate change and environmental sustainability.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate depiction of the economic impact of dust storms, citing a specific study from reputable institutions like the University of Texas at El Paso. The claim that dust storms and wind erosion cause $154 billion in damages annually is supported by the study mentioned. However, the article does not provide detailed breakdowns or external verification for some of the specific cost figures, such as the $250 million in transportation costs or the $3 billion in medical costs related to Valley Fever. The historical context of dust storms, particularly the reference to the Dust Bowl, is accurate and aligns with established historical accounts. Overall, while the main claims are well-supported, some specific figures would benefit from additional sourcing or verification.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the topic by discussing both the natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to dust storms. It acknowledges the historical precedence of dust storms while also highlighting the impact of human activities and climate change. However, the article primarily focuses on the economic and health impacts without delving deeply into potential counterarguments or alternative perspectives, such as the possible benefits of dust storms or differing scientific opinions on their severity. This could be seen as a slight imbalance, but overall, the article does a reasonable job of presenting multiple facets of the issue.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader from the definition of dust storms to their economic impacts and historical context. The language is accessible, and technical terms are explained, such as the definition of 'haboob.' The use of metaphors, like the basketball player analogy, helps illustrate complex ideas about climate change. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, particularly regarding the study's findings and methodology. Overall, the article effectively communicates its main points in a reader-friendly manner.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including a study from the University of Texas at El Paso, and references NOAA for definitions and historical context. These sources are generally reliable and authoritative in the fields of environmental science and meteorology. The article also mentions a press release and quotes from a professor involved in the study, which adds to its credibility. However, it would benefit from a broader range of sources, such as independent experts or additional studies, to corroborate the claims made. The reliance on a single study for the main economic impact figure is a limitation in terms of source variety.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in attributing its main claims to a specific study and provides context for the significance of dust storms. It mentions the funding source for the study (NASA), which helps readers understand potential biases or influences. However, the methodology of the study is not detailed in the article, leaving readers without a clear understanding of how the $154 billion figure was calculated. Additionally, while the article discloses the author's personal connection to one of the study's co-authors, it could offer more information about the study's scope and limitations to enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.utep.edu/newsfeed/2025/february/dust-storms-and-wind-erosion-cause-154-billion-in-damages-annually-utep-study-shows.html
  2. https://www.unccd.int/media/46001/open
  3. https://www.preventionweb.net/collections/sand-and-dust-storm
  4. https://science.howstuffworks.com/nature/climate-weather/storms/dust-storm5.htm
  5. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/